The work of Kiwanga, who grew up in Brantford, Ont., explores the intersection of colonialism and environmentalism, often using materials that refer to traditional crops that exploit labour or damage the earth, or might fix it
If you visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto these days, you’ll discover a dramatic curtain of sisal in the lobby, a hanging of tangled blond fibre. It’s tempting to reach out to feel it, but visitors whoThe art of Kapwani Kiwanga, creator of the sisal installation, often feels remote, as though the artist were wary of the viewer’s embrace.
Kiwanga, creator of research-based sculptural and installation art, is interested in the intersection of colonialism and environmentalism, often using materials that refer to traditional crops, such as sisal or bananas, that exploit labour or damage the earth – or conversely to plants that might fix it.
However, the only way the viewer is going to understand or appreciate another work, featuring a sequence of hard-edged wall-mounted frames covered in some kind of heavy screen, is by turning to the text immediately. The material is shade cloth, used to cover great swathes of agricultural landscapes in commercial farming; it’s a larger and less benign intervention than the keyhole planter.
In the exhibition’s final room is a more delicate piece: two handmade paper flowers that reproduce the peacock flower, a medicinal plant that enslaved women once used to bring about miscarriages. Here, some emotions begin to hover in what is otherwise a rather cerebral show. Alongside is a video, dating to 2012, showingby a dusty roadside, gently wiping the dirt off leaves to expose a tree’s greenery. The humility and patience strike an unusually touching chord.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Government of Canada restores Hockey Canada fundingThe organization had its funding pulled following the governing body’s handling of a sexual assault case involving members of the...
Read more »
Star Spotting: Keanu Reeves And Girlfriend Alexandra Grant Share A Kiss At 2023 MOCA GalaKeanuReeves and girlfriend AlexandraGrant weren't afraid to show some PDA on the 2023 MOCA Gala red carpet 🔥😘
Read more »
Vancouver high-rise Canada’s first new commercial build to achieve net-zero statusThe Stack sets pace for large-scale carbon neutral construction
Read more »
Curling Canada makes major changes to Olympic trials, national championships formatsKatherine Henderson, the CEO of Curling Canada, said she’s confident the changes ‘will give our high performance athletes the best opportunity to succeed’
Read more »
Broadway Across Canada new season to include major New York hitsWith its 2023/2024 season of touring musicals, Broadway Across Canada will be celebrating 25 years of bringing the best and biggest of Broadway to Calgary.
Read more »
Ottawa to host Pacific Four Series women’s rugby event later this summerCanada to host first international women’s rugby series since 2015
Read more »